Dental technology and treatment methods have advanced rapidly in the past few decades. From the development of composite to repair fillings, to the introduction of Invisalign® clear braces to correct malocclusion, patients are far more comfortable in the dental chair than they used to be. There is still room for improvement in the way dentistry is done; the near future provides the potential for more comfortable ways of obtaining bright and beautiful smiles.

Repairing Teeth Decay without Drills

Teeth decay accounts for most of the issues dentists treat in their dental office. Removing decay and restoring a tooth typically requires local anesthesia, drilling, and the use of composites, all of which can be uncomfortable. In an article titled, “Enamel remineralization: the future of dentistry?”, researchers in the UK have experimented with electrical currents to comfortably and naturally treat issues caused by teeth decay. These currents stimulate remineralization in areas where decay has eaten away at enamel. Combined with a gentle decay removal process, the remineralization could fully restore the integrity of a tooth, reducing the need for future fillings and the chance decay will advance further. Not only could this procedure decrease the use of drills, but also make root canal treatment unnecessary in situations where decay has been caught early on.

Replace Missing Teeth

When it comes to developing methods of restoring lost tissues, stem cells are at the forefront of scientific and public intrigue. These adaptable cells seem perfect for replacing teeth since stem cells can be found in the bone. Scientists at Tufts University are working to get these cells to grow new teeth, as reported by David Levin in his article, “The Promise of Growing New Teeth.” These researchers are developing ways to grow healthy adult teeth. They build a scaffold which serves as a frame for stem cells to begin growing and introduce a mixture of hormones and nutrients to encourage them to become full adult teeth. The experiments have proven promising and may have significant applications in the future.

Contact Marcia Blazer in Scottsdale for Cutting Edge Dental Care

Our practice implements the latest in dental technology and methods to enhance the quality of your treatments. Dr. Blazer and our whole staff pursues continued education to stay ahead of changes in techniques in the dental field. Everyone at our practice is passionate about oral health and offers a wide range of options to improve it. Call us today for an appointment!

When you have multiple missing teeth you have two options for replacing: dentures or implant-supported dentures. Whichever treatment you choose, it’s important to fill these gaps to protect a comfortable bite and enable you to freely speak, smile, and laugh. Both options offer pros and cons, which we examine below:

Implant-Supported Dentures

Dental implants offer a powerful way to treat the smile. They are placed directly into the jaw to ensure restorations will not fall out, and are built to last. Implant posts are made of titanium and are capped with custom-made acrylic or porcelain dentures that match the look of natural teeth. Implant-supported dentures are adaptable to the number of missing teeth, from a few to entire rows. The placement procedure is simple and safe, requiring only local anesthesia, and treatment offers permanent benefits.

The downside to implant placement and restoration is the cost, which may cause many patients to believe it’s not the right treatment. Dr. Marcia Blazer strives to meet patient needs and offer payment options to make treatments available. Additionally, it’s possible to begin with one implant and introduce more as needed.

Traditional Dentures

Custom-fit acrylic dentures are proven to be affordable, easy to repair, and fully customized to your dental needs. After tooth extraction, they are constantly tailored to match the changing dentition, as the jaw heals. Dentures offer the convenience of a removable restoration, making oral health habits and maintenance simple.

As many denture wearers know, it’s not a perfect way to restore teeth. They can fall out while speaking, grow uncomfortable with use, and upper dentures cover the palate which limits taste. Although cost-effective, they are not designed to last for a lifetime.

Helping You find the Best Treatment in Scottsdale

Marcia Blazer, DDS is passionate about restoring normal dental function to your daily life. If you or someone you know has missing teeth, or is looking to improve their denture care, call our office. You options will be discussed in detail, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Oral health requires a balance of care, just as the body does. With the proper measure of brushing, flossing, nutrition, and dental care, your teeth can remain bright and healthy. A bright smile starts at home, with good habits that can remove bacteria and prevent decay.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Water

A good diet plays a huge role in supporting the health of your teeth and gums, while also reducing dental decay. The nutrients and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables support bacterial resistance and the upkeep of oral tissues. Although not a replacement for brushing teeth, eating fibrous vegetables and fruits can help to clean the surfaces of the teeth in between brushing.

To further enhance the health of your mouth, drink plenty of water. Avoid habits that cause dry mouth, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, or excessive alcohol consumption. Be aware that many medications can cause dry mouth as well. Oftentimes, chewing sugarless gum can stimulate salivating, and help with symptoms of dry mouth.

Reduce Processed Sugar Levels

Sugar provides bacteria with the fuel it needs to grow abundantly. Excessive sugar intake isn’t exclusive to just candy or desserts, nor are children more at risk. A sweetened drink from Starbucks® can have more sugar per serving than soda or candy bars. Also, Gatorade and other sport beverages contain a lot of sugar. If drinking sweetened beverages, it is best to drink them all in one sitting, rather than sipping on them all day. It’s important for adults to review their own or their child’s diet and minimize excessive sugar intake when possible. Although acceptable in moderation, sugar isn’t good for oral or overall health.

Your smile can make a lasting impression on the people you meet. Are you worried that your chipped, stain, or crooked teeth are causing others to get the wrong idea about you? Luckily, there are solutions for improving less-than-perfect smiles. Don’t let your confidence lag because of the appearance of your teeth! Contact your Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Marcia Blazer, to learn about the many benefits of veneers, and what they can do for your smile.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom made porcelain facings that your dentist places over the front of your teeth to repair and hide imperfections. The veneer procedure is minimally invasive, but offers exceptional results. If you’re looking to make big changes to the look and feel of your teeth, porcelain veneers may be a viable option.

Customized- You can work with your dentist to find the right shade of white for your new smile.

Stain resistant- Go ahead and have that glass of wine. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and remain vibrant throughout their lifespan.

Improved confidence- With your new veneers, you will feel amazing and ready to smile at the world.

Determining if Veneers are Right for You

While veneers are a great option for most patients, this cosmetic treatment may not be the best solution for all patients. Like many other cosmetic dental procedures, the tooth must be prepared, which may cause some minor tooth sensitivity. Additionally, as veneers are an optional treatment, they may not be fully covered by your insurance program.

While there may be some disadvantages to veneers, the majority of veneers patients find that the perks of having the smile they always dreamed of definitely outweighs any of the cons.

For patients with advanced dental conditions or those who have lost all or most of their teeth as a result of trauma, dentures have historically helped return function and aesthetics back to their bite. Through advanced technological advancements in dentistry, people with missing teeth now have multiple restoration options to choose from. One denture type is an overdenture, a removable denture plate that will support chewing, speaking and a beautiful smile.

Overdentures are removable and can replace several teeth as a partial or full denture. For patients seekingstability in their tooth replacement solution, this type of denture can be anchored to your remaining teeth, roots or more securely attached to dental implants. Many patients find supporting overdentures with dental implants to be highly successful, yielding a number of positive long-term benefits.

Just like traditional dentures, overdentures allow your mouth and bite to function as it would naturally, and minimally impacts your life and the things you enjoy. With overdentures, you can still enjoy the foods you love, while benefiting from the easy maintenance of this treatment.

Advantages of an Overdenture

Overdentures offer many advantages to patients with tooth loss. These advantages include:

Increased Stability

Easy to clean

Effective

Comfortable

Decreased bone loss with implants as anchors

Disadvantages of an Overdenture

While overdentures work for many patients, it is still a good idea to discuss the pros and cons of this treatment with your dentist prior to choosing the final treatment plan. Some patients may find removable overdentures to be bulky and unwieldy, often preferring a stabilized restoration.

When compared to traditional dentures, the secured overdenture process can be more expensive. Additionally the procedure may take longer to complete when used in conjunction with dental implants. However, the long-term health benefits and convenience make this restoration a worthwhile investment into your improved dental health and function

Scottsdale Dentist' Denture Options

With a strong focus on personal and gentle care, Dr. Marcia Blazer works to educate her patients on their oral health needs and will discuss all available options to restore their bite and well-being. Whether you are in need of elder care and want to return function or have suffered a trauma and are looking for a comprehensive restoration, our Scottsdale dentist will provide a treatment plan to solve all your dental needs.

Make an Appointment Today

If you’re suffering from tooth pain or loss, and think overdentures may be a good solution for you, please be sure to call your Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Marcia Blazer to schedule a consultation today.

As we age, our dental needs change. This is due not only to age itself, but to a slew of developments that have a great impact on the health of our teeth, gums and dental function. From introducing new medications, to the long-term consequences of lifestyle choices, our dental well-being often needs some extra attention as we get older. Here are five common dental problemsencountered by senior patients:

Dry Mouth

Having a dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable and irritating, it’s actually a health concern that can have a huge impact on health. A common side effect when taking medication, dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva flow. This lack of saliva means food remnants and bacteria are not washed away and take up residence in between teeth and under the gum line, and. acids that cause tooth decay are not naturalized as quickly. Without saliva flow, teeth absorb fewer protective, nurturing minerals like calcium and fluoride. Ultimately, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and multiple cavities.

Darkened Teeth

Darkening teeth is the change we see in dentin as we age. Dentin is the like tissue that lies underneath tooth enamel. Dentin can gradually darken due to life-long habits, such as tobacco use, stain-causing foods and drinks, and even dead teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a highly prevalent condition experienced by a large percentage of the adult population. Caused by bacteria in plaque, gum disease inflames and irritates gums, resulting in swelling, bleeding, bad breath and more. Advanced gum disease can destroy bone and gums, and even cause teeth to become loose or fall out. It has been linked to many health conditions and diseases including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. To avoid gum disease, dentists recommend annual or bi-annual professional cleanings, depending on the patient’s dental needs and health.

Diminished Taste

Full dentures – a common restorative appliance for seniors – can block the palate, affecting the way we taste our food. As people age, taste buds tend to lose their strength, but when coupled with dentures, it can change the way seniors view eating, diminishing quality of life. Routine visits to a dentist will help to maintain oral health and can potentially stop or prolong the need for full dentures.

Oral Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) approximately 39,500 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Of those, an estimated 7,500 people will die from the disease. Oral cancer becomes more prevalent with age, which is why regular dental visits are vital for your health. With regular screenings cancerous regions can be detected and more successfully treated.

Maintaining oral health through at-home hygiene care and routine dental appointments will help to prevent many types of dental problems. Schedule an appointment with our Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Marcia Blazer to receive the gentle care that you deserve to treat and prevent common dental problems that can arise from the natural aging process

In a perfect world, dental accidents would only happen Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Unfortunately, there is a strong likelihood that you will find yourself facing a dental emergency at odd hours, while on vacation, or even during a holiday. While we cannot stop accidents from happening, there are tips and tricks you can use to minimize damage until you can see your dentist.

Five dental emergencies and how you should address them

1. What do I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

For adult teeth, be sure to keep the tooth moist at all times. You can keep the tooth moist by positioning it in between your cheek and gums, or by storing it in a glass of milk. There are also tooth preservation products on the market that can be used. Most importantly- get to your dentist as soon as possible. Delaying seeking dental care can reduce the likelihood of being able to save your tooth.

2. My teeth are fine, but my child knocked a baby tooth out! What should I do?

Children have a real knack for getting into mischief after hours. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, you should keep it moist and get it to a dentist immediately. Depending on how much of the tooth came out, your dentist can determine whether or not it can be safely replaced.

3. Ow! I have a serious toothache. What can I do?

To alleviate some of the pain caused by a toothache, try gently rinsing your mouth out with warm water. Once you’ve cleaned your mouth, you can try removing any foreign items with dental floss. If the pain persists, try taking an over-the-counter pain medication, and call your dentist for an appointment.

4. I broke my tooth, Help!

If your tooth breaks, it is important to immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Call your dentist to make an appointment. Your local drug store will sell a dental putty that you can place over the tooth to help relieve some of the sensitive and keep the area clean while waiting to see your dentist. Use a cold compress and pain reliever to help make your wait more comfortable.

5. I’m on vacation and my filling came out!

You can’t guarantee that a tooth problem will only occur during business hours or why you are local. If you are away from home and are suffering from a tooth emergency, contact your dentist to let them know your problem as they may offer some insightful tips. Most importantly, don’t ruin your time away with tooth discomfort. Contact a local dentist who offers emergency hours to non-patients. Schedule an appointment to follow-up with your dentist when you return home.

Remember: these tips are just suggestions for when you find yourself in a tight spot. Regardless of what your dental emergency is, seeing your dentist as soon as possible can help save your tooth without risking compromising your oral health. If the emergency is serious, and your dentist’s office is closed, you can visit an emergency room.

Children who adopt good oral care habits are more likely to maintain them as they grow up, so it's important to emphasize oral health, even for very young children. Taking good care of primary (baby) teeth also helps to ensure that adult teeth grow in correctly. Here are five ways toprotect your child's teeth, and ensure they grow up with healthy oral hygiene habits.

Monitor Their Brushing Habits

Regular brushing and flossing is essential for good oral health, so it's crucial to start these habits early, and monitor brushing and flossing so that it's being done effectively. Children can typically start to learn brushing at around 3 years of age, although they'll need help with flossing until the age of 9 or 10.

Teach Healthy Food Choices

The foods we eat play a big role in shaping our oral health. For example, a diet that's high in sugar encourages bacterial growth. Similarly, the failure to regularly include certain essential minerals in your child’s diet can affect the development of adult teeth. As a result, it is important to teach children about making healthy food choices, and about the connection between nutrition and their bodies.

Encourage Drinking Water

Encouraging your child to drink plenty of water is highly beneficial. In addition to being a healthy alternative to sugary soda and juices, drinking plenty of water can help ensure good hydration. This in turn ensures the mouth is able to produce saliva, which contains compounds that help to slow the growth of bacteria between meals.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Establishing a good at-home oral care and effective dental hygiene regimens are essential to keeping small smiles bright and healthy. Additionally, your child should be visiting the family dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and check-ups. These regular visits are incredibly important as they allow the dentist to look for changes that might indicate a dental problem. Professional cleanings also allow dentists to remove tartar build-up and keep your child’s teeth and gums in great shape.

Ask Your Dentist about Protective Treatments

Primary teeth are more susceptible to decay than adult teeth are. As a result, it is important to provide children’s teeth with extra protection. Your dentist can help promote healthy smiles by providing fluoride treatments and sealants that reduce the risk of cavities.

If you’ve made the decision to get dentures, it’s important to make sure that you’re picking the option that makes the most sense for you and your lifestyle. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are many options to choose from today. One popular option is dental implant supported dentures. Your Scottsdale Implant Dentist, Dr. Marcia Blazer, DDS, has more than 20 years of experience in denture work and can help you make an informed decision.

Dental implant supported dentures differ from traditional dentures in that they are supported by two or more implants. This takes much of the pressure off of the gums, making them much more comfortable. Additionally, since the parts in the denture snap in place to the implants in the jaw, the denture will be much more retentive than traditional dentures. Existing dentures may even be able to be retrofitted to attach to new implants in the jaw. If there is enough bone in the jaw to support implants, they can be placed as easily as having a tooth removed. Implants are more commonly placed in the lower jaw, since lower dentures tend to be less retentive than upper dentures. While your denture options in Scottsdale may be many, implant supported dentures should be at the top of your list due to their effectiveness, natural appearance, and reconstructive abilities.

What Are the Benefits?

There are many benefits associated with dental implant supported dentures. Aesthetically, this type of denture looks natural, and patients report increased self-esteem and confidence from showing off their new, glowing smile. In addition to an improved smile, dental implant supported dentures can improve facial structure, replacing lost tissue and restoring balance to your face, making you look years younger. Better yet, you will experience no speech impairments or diet limitations with your dental implant supported dentures- you can eat what you want and happily, and clearly, tell everyone about it.

In addition, this type of denture is easy to maintain, as the parts that attach the denture to your jaw are easily replaceable as needed. And you’ll live pain-free as the implants stop denture movement and protect your soft, sensitive gum tissue.

One study showed that electric toothbrushes which rotate in one direction and then the other (called rotational oscillation toothbrushes) were more effective than other electric or manual toothbrush types. But that study was for the dental research geeks like me!

A manual toothbrush can do just as well as an electric one. You can simulate the movement of an electric toothbrush by brushing in small circles with the bristles aimed towards the gum tissue. However, since an electric toothbrush oscillates more quickly, you need to brush longer with a regular toothbrush to get the same effect.The bottom line is whatever you prefer to use, electric or manual, it matters less what you use and more that you use it regularly and properly. ;For more information on proper brushing tips, click here.

And if you're ready to make an appointment, please call us at 480-596-8273 today!

Dr. Blazer’s Advice to Parents for trips to the dentist

I am a family dentist, and I treat a lot of children in my practice. Unlike most pediatric dentists, who typically won’t allow a parent to accompany the child into the treatment area, I encourage parents to come back with their child. I want parents to see the steps we take (which, by the way, we use for adults too) to make the dental appointment stress and pain free.

Unfortunately, I’m confronted daily with well-meaning parents who unknowingly do all the wrong things to prepare their child for a dental visit. With that in mind, I would like to give some suggestions on how to prepare your child for a dental visit.

Rule #1: Do not discuss with your child what you think they will experience at the dental visit. Your prejudices will show through no matter how much you try to hide it. Let us do it, we will do it better!

Rule #2: Schedule your appointment for a time when you think your child will have the most patience and give them a healthy snack before the appointment. You know your own child. Hungry and tired children are less cooperative for mom and dad, why would you expect them to be better for me? I have a fridge with healthy drinks and snacks in my waiting room and patients are welcome to help themselves when they arrive.

Rule #3: If you think you are not going to be able to handle seeing your child have dental treatment done, don’t come back into the treatment area. We will take good care of him and come out to update you periodically during the procedure. I have had to quickly pull a child out of the dental chair to get his dad to lie down before he passed out from watching me remove a tooth on his son! By the way, his son was most upset about me interrupting the movie he was watching!

Rule #4: Never talk about your negative dental visits you may have experienced in the past, especially during your child’s dental visit! Dentistry has changed a lot since you were a kid. Don’t pass your prejudices onto your child!

Rule #5: Never use “going to the dentist” as a threat. Believe it or not, I’ve had parents tell their children to behave or they were going to make me give him a shot! I’ve had parents tell the child if they don’t brush their teeth, the dentist was going to hurt them. How am I to gain your child’s trust if he hears comments like that from you?

Finally, I would tell you to take the time to talk to your dentist about your own fears. Perhaps watching your child have a positive dental experience might just convince you to get back in the dental chair! Checkout my Google Plus reviews from patients, many of them initially fearful and now appreciative of the care they’ve received.

Many of my patients have insurance through their employer, but few really understand the workings of their plan. Oftentimes, the insurance card comes with a booklet, pages long, with small print, explaining the plan benefits. While the booklet is guaranteed to be less complicated than the booklet that came with your cell phone, it still can be intimidating.

I've attached a link to a website that I researched that had a good general discussion about dental insurance. My office accepts all insurance plans. Additionally, my office staff is wonderful about helping patients get the most out of their dental insurance benefits; they are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. If you are thinking you may want to become a patient in my office, be sure that your insurance allows you to go to any dental office, rather than restricting you to a limited list of providers.

Most plans renew every calendar year, with maximums that, if not used, go away. For patients with unmet dental needs, that’s leaving money on the table!

We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.

We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our current and future patients.

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